Overhaul of Radiological Mammography Check-ups for Early Malignancy Diagnosis during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background. The article reports the number of examinations with stationary mammography systems, in outpatient screenings, as well as in a mobile mammography survey across the Sverdlovsk Region.Aim. A study of expedience and design of radiological breast check-ups (exemplified by mammography) for early cancer diagnosis under the COVID-19 pandemic situation.Materials and methods. A survey based at the Sverdlovsk Regional Oncology Dispensary’s Department of Diagnostic Radiology analysed the expedience and design of non-invasive diagnostic procedures in a case study of breast X-ray checkups (mammography) in the Sverdlovsk Region during 2019—2020. Th e survey used the Sverdlovsk Region population statistics on breast malignancy incidence for 2019—2020.Results. According to reports, the number of outpatient screening surveys significantly decreased in 2020 vs. 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic and effective ban on screenings and medical check-ups. Th e mobile mammography screening numbers increased more than twice in 2020 vs. 2019.Discussion. Screening measures continued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians adhered to local guidelines, while fully complying with the recommendations to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection. Th e growth of mobile mammography screenings enabled completion of the annual check-up plan, however, the breast malignancy detection rate slightly dropped in 2020 compared to 2019.Conclusion. Mammography screenings at the Sverdlovsk Regional Oncology Dispensary in 2019--2020 demonstrate the expedience and good organisation of breast radiological check-ups (mammography) in Sverdlovsk Region. Accounting for the epidemiological state of coronavirus infection, a positive trend is evident towards growing examinations and improved breast malignancy detection, which lowers mortality accordingly among the female population of Sverdlovsk Region.